Attending SfN ’24 in Chicago? Whether you’re attending the conference for the learning experience, or you’re presenting your research, we have some tips to make your time at SfN a success!
Practicing your presentation:
There are numerous ways to practice your presentation, you may try a mix of these to see which works best for you!
- Meet with your PI or professors to get solid on related content so you feel confident answering questions/ explaining methodology/theory.
- Write a detailed script, record yourself presenting and watch it back, and cut down on your notes until you feel confident speaking and sharing information conversationally.
- Talk with fellow lab members or more experienced teammates who’ve presented before for best practices.
- Practice with a trusted lab colleague and have them pose difficult questions to get practice answering them.
- Practice with a trusted friend that is not
- Create a brief, 1 minute summary of your research – people may pass by quickly, so you want to communicate the key points efficiently.
- Break down your presentation into small, manageable sections to reduce feeling overwhelmed. Practice each section individually, then practice connecting them together smoothly. This helps ensure that if you stumble or forget something during the presentation, you can recover more easily.
When it’s time to present:
- During the presentation, speak clearly and at a steady pace— try not to rush. It can be easy to do when you’re nervous! Pausing occasionally helps emphasize key points and gives the audience time to process information, while also helping with pacing.
- Tailor your content to the level of understanding and interests of your audience. Keep in mind that most of the people around you at a conference often won’t have in-depth knowledge about your specific topic.
- It’s okay to not have all the answers, and you can be honest if you aren’t sure or share your own theory when there’s no immediate answer.
- Be confident! You’re presenting on research that you probably know inside and out, and you know your project better than anyone!
Networking:
- Be ready to chat with people you don’t know; conferences are attended by PIs, business reps, and your peers so this is a great time to network towards your next goal.
- Before the conference, prepare a short, elevator-pitch-style introduction of yourself and your work. It’s helpful when networking or striking up conversations and can help you feel more comfortable when random questions or individuals come up to you.
- Research the attendees and speakers beforehand, and plan to introduce yourself to those relevant to your interests or career goals. Bring business cards or a digital way to share your contact information.
- Many programs, communities, and neuroscience sub-fields host socials in the evening and are great opportunities to develop deeper connections!
On the conference floor:
- There is a lot of incredible neuroscience occurring, and it can be difficult to fit in absolutely everything. When planning your conference schedule, focus on seeking out sessions, tables, posters that align with your interests or goals!
- Even if you’re not sure about graduate school, the Graduate School Fair can be an awesome way to learn about programs and meet people from different institutions! Same with exploring industry options on the exhibitor floor. You may walk away with a new path to explore deeper!
- Take time to engage with presenters at their posters or stations. Asking questions, giving feedback, or offering your thoughts can help you build professional relationships, and expand your knowledge on topics!
- Whether you’re presenting or networking, opt for business attire that aligns with the formality of the event. A well-fitted suit, smart dress, or polished business-casual look shows you take the occasion seriously.
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